Rome — England scored seven tries on the way to an emphatic 46-15 win away to Italy as they began the defence of their Six Nations title in style on Sunday. Winger Anthony Watson got England off to a flying start with two early tries and No8 Sam Simmonds also bagged two. Owen Farrell, George Ford and Jack Nowell added one apiece and Farrell kicked four conversions and a penalty. Despite the final score Italy — who took the wooden spoon in the past two years — were refreshingly positive and replied with two tries from Tommaso Benvenuti and Mattia Bellini. England lost scrumhalf Ben Youngs in the first half when he suffered a knee injury. Italy coach Conor O’Shea will have seen much to convince him his side are improving in his second year. However, it is still a 13th consecutive Six Nations defeat for the Azzurri. Reuters
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